Tracheitis is one of the most common diseases of the upper respiratory tract. This disease is accompanied by damage to the mucous membrane of the trachea, which, in turn, is manifested by severe coughing attacks and a deterioration in well-being. Are there any other signs of tracheitis? Are complications of the disease possible?
Tracheitis and its causes
In fact, most often the inflammatory process in the trachea is the result of the activity of a viral infection. Often, tracheitis occurs against the background of the flu or the common cold. This form of the disease is considered the least dangerous. But inflammation of bacterial origin is much more difficult.
Naturally, the state of the immune system can be attributed to risk factors. Often, signs of tracheitis occur against the background of a general weakening of the body's defenses, exacerbation of chronic diseases, as well as malnutrition. Depletion of the body and constant stress can also provoke its development.
The main signs of tracheitis
As already mentioned, the main symptom of tracheal inflammation is coughing. It can be dry, but it is often accompanied by the release of viscous sputum. It should be noted that coughing attacks most often bother a person in the evening and at night, which, accordingly, affects the quality of sleep and well-being.
As the disease progresses, coughing becomes more annoying and painful. Deep entry, physical stress, laughter - all this ends in a strong fit. In addition, a cough often appears when humidity or ambient temperature changes. For example, patients often complain that seizures appear when they go out or, conversely, when they enter a room.
The patient's breathing becomes deep and superficial - in this way the body tries to prevent the appearance of cough. Symptoms can also include hoarseness and a hoarse voice, which for the most part is the result of strong and constant attacks.
Along with this, chest pains and involuntary contraction of the intercostal muscles appear. General weakness, fever, dizziness, drowsiness are also signs of tracheitis. If you have such problems, you should contact a specialist.
In the absence of the necessary treatment, the acute form of the disease slowly flows into chronic tracheitis. Such a disease is accompanied by gradual structural and functional disorders in the upper respiratory tract, a change in the mucous membrane of the trachea. Symptoms in this case are not so pronounced. However, patients complain of coughing attacks that occur periodically and are accompanied by the release of viscous sputum.
How is tracheitis treated?
Of course, first you need to go through an examination with a doctor, and if necessary, take tests. Therapy depends on the cause of the development of inflammation. For example, if the cause is a viral infection, then the patient needs warmth, bed rest and taking expectorants.
At the same time, the bacterial form of the disease is more serious. Such tracheitis in adults is treated with antibiotics and the same expectorant drugs. Quite often, patients are prescribed antihistamines, which relieve puffiness and help stop coughing attacks. Steam inhalation helps relieve symptoms.